A 2025 Guide to Taroko Gorge and Taroko National Park

Taroko Gorge Taiwan

Taroko Gorge, named after the Truku or Taroko Indigenous tribe, is arguably Taiwan’s top scenic attractions. Few people visit without being blown away by its sheer magnificence and raw natural beauty. It is the star attraction of Hualien, Taiwan’s largest county (see my Hualien guide and other places to visit in Hualien), on the wild …

Read more

A Guide to Visiting Ollantaytambo Ruins (with walking route!)

A guide to the main ruins at Ollantaytambo Peru

The Ollantaytambo Ruins (Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site) in Peru’s Sacred Valley is second in importance only to Machu Picchu itself. These prominent ruins overlooking Ollantaytambo townsite were the site of the only major Inca defeat of Spanish forces. Today, they are also one of the most accessible ruins around Cusco because you can walk to them …

Read more

15 Awesome Things to Do in Ollantaytambo in 2025

A guide to the top sights and attractions in Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is my favorite town in the Sacred Valley of Peru, and I’m not alone. So many visitors rush through Ollantaytambo on their way to Machu Picchu, or as a part of a Sacred Valley day tour like this one, and wish they had budgeted more time for it. Personally, I fell in love with …

Read more

How to Make the Best of Your Visit to Pisac Ruins in 2025

Most famous view of the ruins of Pisac

The Pisac ruins are some of the most important Incan ruins in Peru’s Cusco region and the Sacred Valley, along with the ruins at Ollantaytambo and more remote Huchuy Qosqo. They are a great addition to any Machu Picchu visit. I especially recommend visiting these and other Sacred Valley attractions BEFORE Machu Picchu so you …

Read more

Visiting Wulai Old Street for Hot Springs and Indigenous Foods

Wulai Hot Spring in Wulai, Taiwan

Wulai (烏來, Tayal language: Ulay, which means ‘hot spring’) is the largest district of New Taipei City, but only has around 6000 residents, by far the lowest population density. Officially the only “mountain indigenous district” of New Taipei City, it is home to the closest Indigenous village to Taipei City. There are many reasons to …

Read more

A 2025 Guide to Penghu Islands, Taiwan’s Offshore Paradise

A guide to Penghu county islands in Taiwan

Penghu (澎湖) is a collection of islands in the Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and China. It is also called the Penghu Islands, Penghu Archipelago, and Pescadores Islands. Penghu County is one of Taiwan’s 13 counties and is made up of around 90 islands. Penghu is an incredibly special place. Consider this list of fun things …

Read more

A 2025 Guide to Xiaoliuqiu Island, a Turtle Spotting Hot Spot

Things to do in Xiaoliuqiu Island Taiwan

Xiaoliuqiu is one of the gems of southern Taiwan. This small island off the coast of Pingtung and Kaohsiung tempts visitors with its fine beaches, coral caves, island vibes, guaranteed opportunity to see giant sea turtles, and all kinds of water-based outdoor activities. Taiwan’s “Little Okinawa” lies a mere 12.5 km (7.8 mi) off the …

Read more